For some, art calls to mind an untouchable array of classical paintings spanning the periods of Impressionism to Cubism. For Heidi Garrett, art is a crucial component of her well-being, acting as a release and a reflection of personal struggles.

Garrett, a freshman in biological sciences, first became interested in art when she took an art class in elementary school. Since then, she has explored the artistic arenas of drawing, painting, sketching and even tattoo designing. Her relationship with her boyfriend provides the inspiration for many of these projects — which include a graphite sketch of the couple in a scrapbook filled with photos, clippings and sketches that Garrett crafted for their anniversary. “The main thing is that it’s a release. … It’s kind of like my outlet,” Garrett said. But although she uses art as a personal stress-reliever, she also focuses her efforts for the benefit of others. After designing her own tattoo, she recently began making sketches that incorporate the breast cancer awareness ribbon — per the request of her boyfriend’s mother, a breast cancer survivor.

Favorite worksGarrett’s most beloved piece of artwork is a modern-style painting that equals, roughly, her own height. Using a wooden frame crafted by her boyfriend, she worked with a canvas and acrylic paint in both warm and cool colors to create what she calls “Self-Portrait.”

“I like it because my favorite type of art is abstract art,” said Garrett, who spent the most time looking inward for this project than any other, and thought it was “more of a process.”

She described how the fading of colors, from bright to dark, represents a painful time in her life, but that the blending of the contrasting elements conveys her ability to use her experiences in relating to others.

A lifelong loveAnd Garrett doesn’t plan on finding another hobby – instead, she said she sees herself enjoying and creating art for years to come. “I’d love to make a living out of it,” she said, although she also maintains a back-up goal of selling one piece of artwork.

For those who are just beginning to tap the surface of creating art, Garrett suggested starting out with an art class in order to master different mediums. Understanding a certain style, she said, provides the basis for experimenting outside the classroom.

The most important aspect of creating artwork, she said, is keeping the source of motivation in check. The aspiring artist should remember to “do it for yourself.”